Brown Mommys Give Back – Ronald McDonald Edition
Here at Brown Mommys, we’re asked to fill some pretty big shoes at times. A few weeks ago, when Heather Hopson from the blog Diary of a First Time Mom announced she was looking for Mommy Bloggers interested in touring the Ronald McDonald House to see how we could be of service – we jumped at the chance to fill these big red shoes.
We know how much our audience values the gift of service, so we want to share with you various ways you can help the families of the Ronald McDonald house in a big way.
When we first arrived for the tour of the house, I expected to see a remodeled Victorian home, but was pleasantly surprised to find that the house is located adjacent to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and is reminiscent of a plaza styled hotel-complex hosting 60 private units and modern amenities to provide families with all of the comforts of home.
Take a minute to watch this video highlighting the mom bloggers who participated in the tour and what we each learned and hoped to do to support the charity.
Our tour guide, Executive Director Eleanor Reigel, shared numerous ways we can be of service to families staying that house.
Here are 5 links available on their website detailing a few ways you can help.
Below, I'll share with you my biggest takeaways from touring the facility.
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF SMALL THINGS
Yes, Ronald McDonald has some big shoes to fill, but there are so many little things we can do that will help in a major way. During the tour, we were encouraged not to underestimate the big impact small contributions can make. For example, having a printer in the computer area allows families who are from out-of-town to print boarding passes for their flights home. The need to print a boarding pass is a seemingly minor thing, but can be a big deal when you’re under stress and you just want to get your kid home so they can start getting better.
Donations and contributions from people like you help the house to make things like this possible.
VOLUNTEERING TIME IS A GIFT
Volunteering is one of the greatest contributions you can make to the house. Seeing the faces of people who care is just as impactful as monetary contributions. During our tour, there were actually some high school students volunteering their time in the community kitchen to prepare meals for the families.
IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR
Serving families at the Ronald McDonald House is something you can get your children involved in, too. My daughter is collecting pull tabs and change in these cute little Ronald McDonald Houses given to us during the tour. We also plan to volunteer our time during the holidays to prepare meals and have story-time with the kids. This is a great way to get to the kids involved and help them understand how they too can be a force for good in the world.
DINE AND DANCE FOR A GOOD CAUSE – THE RED SHOE BALL
For those who are interested and would be able to make it, the charity is hosting a Red Shoe Ball with Silent Auction on, Saturday, November 9, 2013. Proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald House.
For more info about the ball go here.
CLOSING REMARKS
As a mother, I personally feel there is nothing more unsettling than having a sick child. The Ronald McDonald charity has gone above and beyond to provide a home away from home in hopes of giving parents and kids one less thing to worry about while they get the medical care they need. This is something I think we all want to be a part of.
Remember, no contribution is too big or too small.
Your time and efforts can make all the difference in the world.